Brad McDonnell Joins ATIA Accreditation Advisory Committee
The Entire Travel Group managing director joins the advisory body to represent Council of Australian Tour Operators interests.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Brad McDonnell, managing director of the Entire Travel Group, has been appointed to the ATIA Accreditation Advisory Committee. The appointment aims to ensure that Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) membership maintains a direct voice within the committee.
Why it matters
The committee is responsible for guiding the association's accreditation scheme and provides critical advice on industry standards including solvency requirements and complaints resolution. By gaining representation, CATO seeks to influence the governance and oversight of Australian travel accreditation.
The committee maintains standards for the industry in partnership with the Consumer Federation of Australia and CHOICE. It has previously reviewed the ATAS Charter and Code to ensure rigorous consumer protection standards across Australia.
The players
Brad McDonnell
He is the managing director of the Entire Travel Group and now serves on the ATIA Accreditation Advisory Committee.
ATIA
The Australian Travel Industry Association serves as the primary body overseeing travel accreditation and industry standards in Australia.
CATO
The Council of Australian Tour Operators acts as a representative body for tour operators within the Australian travel industry.
Consumer Federation of Australia
This organisation serves as the peak body for consumer advocacy groups in Australia and works to improve consumer protection standards.
CHOICE
This is Australia's leading consumer advocacy group that campaigns for better consumer rights and higher industry standards.
The details
The committee guides the ATIA accreditation scheme through collaboration with external advocacy groups including the Consumer Federation of Australia and CHOICE. This appointment follows the terms outlined in the CATO/ATIA Merger Deed, which included the provision for an interim member to serve until 2027.
Timeline
CATO will review nominations and recommend to the ATIA Board in 2027.
Travel Outlook
This appointment reflects the ongoing consolidation and integration of industry associations following the CATO/ATIA Merger Deed. It highlights a move toward unified industry governance that prioritises consistent accreditation standards across the national travel market.
Travellers can use the ATIA accreditation framework to identify businesses that adhere to strict solvency and service standards. Checking for accredited operators ensures that providers meet established industry benchmarks for complaints resolution.
The takeaway
Industry accreditation remains a primary tool for maintaining service quality and financial security in the Australian travel market. Travellers are encouraged to seek out accredited providers to ensure they are dealing with businesses that maintain rigorous professional standards.
What happens next
In 2027, the Council of Australian Tour Operators will review nominations and provide formal recommendations to the ATIA Board regarding permanent committee membership.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, visit the Australia and New Zealand section.
More information
To verify a provider, find an ATIA accredited travel professional through the official portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Weekly.
